Spanish defender Javier Manquillo has returned to Atletico Madrid after his two-year loan at Liverpool was terminated early.

The Spanish club have confirmed that the 21-year-old has been recalled and the deal cancelled by mutual consent because he did not get sufficient game time during his first season at Anfield.

Playing at right-back, Manquillo initially made a positive impression at the Reds but then fell out of favour and did not play again in the Barclays Premier League after December.

His only appearances in 2015 came in FA Cup ties against AFC Wimbledon and Bolton and the Europa League defeat at Besiktas.

His opportunities were further likely to be restricted next season following Liverpool's £12.5million signing of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

A statement from Atletico Madrid read: "Javier Manquillo will not fulfil his second season on loan with Liverpool.

"The player and Atletico Madrid decided that the winger from Madrid would go to Anfield's club for two seasons to enjoy the necessary minutes to continue growing football-wise.

"However, in this first season with the 'Reds', the defender has not had all the minutes he and our club consider necessary for that purpose of accumulating experiences in his sports growth, so by mutual consent, it has been decided that he will not follow under the discipline of the English team."

Atletico will now look to loan Manquillo out elsewhere.

Liverpool meanwhile have not commented on reports that unsettled winger Raheem Sterling has asked not to be considered for the club's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.

The 20-year-old, who has rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool believed to be worth around £100,000 per week, has been the subject of two failed bids from Manchester City this summer.